I think it’s important to consciously develop a personal philosophy for life. A big part of why I write is to develop this philosophy. So far, here’s mine:
First and perhaps most importantly, live from first principles. Be constantly self-reflective: think deeply about what you want to accomplish with your life and define your ambitions independently of the status quo.
Then, fill your time with activities that are aligned with these ambitions, create value, and you have a natural affinity for. Obsess over these activities and become the best.
When making changes to your life, trust your gut rather than overplanning. The future is uncertain, so as long as you’re sufficiently self-reflective you’ll be better off letting your internal compass guide you than trying to predict the future.
Never stop learning. Meet new people, try different types of work, and avoid local maxima.
Finally, be positive and kind to everyone around you, but never be a pushover. Stand up for yourself and take what you want, because if you don’t advocate for yourself, no one will.